This document discusses videoconferencing as a technology used for distance learning. It provides details on what videoconferencing is, how it works, and its components. It explains that videoconferencing allows for real-time transmission of both video and audio between two or more locations. The document also outlines several ways videoconferencing can be used, such as for presentations, meetings, and distance learning. It discusses benefits like reduced costs and improved communication, but also notes potential limitations like equipment costs and technical issues. Overall, the document promotes videoconferencing as a technology that can help create a better learning environment for both teachers and students.

1. Sultanate of Oman
Sultan Qaboos university
Learning &teaching technology department
Tech4101
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Videoconferencing

2. This new world of geographical togetherness has been brought about, to a great
extent, by man's scientific and technological genius. Man has been able to dwarf
distance, place time in chains and carve highways through the stratosphere.
“…Through our scientific genius, we have made the world a neighborhood
Video conferencing became one of the most popular technologies used in distance
learning , videoconferencing is Video conferencing in its most basic form is the
transmission of image (video) and speech (audio) back and forth between two or
.more physically separate locations
Videoconferencing is a complex process which includes many
components such as: Cameras (to capture and send video from your
local endpoint), Video displays (to display video received from remote
endpoints), Microphones (to capture and send audio from your local
endpoint), Speakers (to play audio received from remote endpoints),
Codec - "compressor/de-compressor“ - makes the audio/video data
"small enough" to be practical for sending over expensive network
connections. A codec takes analog signals, compresses and digitizes
them, and transmits the signals over digital phone lines and finally
.The Supporting System and the Network Connection
Videoconferencing is not only a video it could be a computer presentation,
other media
(CDs, DVDs, Or ELMO visual presenter (hardcopies, photos
Videoconferencing can be used in different fields and situation for example
we can use it in Presentations, Virtual meetings, Videoconference-based
learning, JIT (just in time) events, Recruitment/search committees
And General meetings, also we can use it in Project coordination, Informal
.work sessions, Alumni relations and Question and answer sessions
Traditional videoconferencing was about audio-video communications to
facilitate meetings without the burden of travel, but Visual collaboration is
much more; it is the combination of audio and video and data in both real-
time and store-and-forward applications, It’s not just about meetings
.anymore
Videoconferencing Can improve work quality of learning, Increase
productivity, Reduce costs, Improves communication, Groups can meet more
frequently, Critical meetings can be convened in less time, More faculty and
staff can be involved, Closely resembles traditional classroom-based
education; permits learners to be active participants in the process, Faculty
and staff needs can be met more quickly through just-in-time training, More
faculty and staff can be trained faster without increasing training resources,
Guest lecturers can be easily integrated into the course , Enables any site to
be the provider of the learning activities, Videoconferencing is cost-effective,
when you consider the traveling costs for traditional training, also
Videoconference-based learning exploits the already acquired
.videoconferencing technologies and network infrastructure

3. Videoconferencing is anew technology which has too many features helps
learners & teachers to have a better learning environment , even though we
:should aware of the limitation of this technology which includes
• The initial cost of the equipment and leasing the lines to transmit
conferences may be prohibitive
• Unless a strong effort is made by the instructor, students not located
with the instructor may remain uninvolved in the course.
• If visuals, like handwritten or copied materials, are not properly
prepared, students may have a difficult time reading them.
• If the “pipe” that carries the transmission among sites is not large
enough, the students may observe “ghost images” when rapid
movement occurs in “real time”
• If the system is not properly configured, class members may observe
an audio “echo” effect. The result is audio interference that detracts
from the learning environment.
• The absence of QOS (Quality of Service) provides virtually no
guarantee of a satisfying and successful experience.
• Though the technology is improving, a successful videoconference is
dependent upon the connections and technologies at all of the
participating sites, AND the network infrastructure
• Security issues
A videoconferencing-based learning strategy aims to:
 Establish Class Expectations
• It ain’t MTV
• At the begging of the session, prepare the preparing learners for
an active experience
 Reduce Distractions
 Engage Students with Variety and Interaction
 Encourage Dialogue
Using videoconferencing in Open University in UK is something becomes
important as instructional tool.
In Open University there courses are uploaded within the website using
several types of delivery system including videoconferencing , they use this
technology within there website for many reasons but over all they try to
deliver there learning materials to learners as easy as possible and enhancing
communication and interaction among participants.